Swine Flu Update

There are still no confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Oklahoma (as of 11am this morning). However, there in an almost inevitable possibility that we will have confirmed cases in the days to come.

Once again, let's not totally freak out. For perpective every 9 1/2 minutes, someone is diagnosed with HIV. There are only 91 confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States. There are currently no increases above our threshold level of influenza like symptoms. If you want more information on Tulsa Surveillance, check out TASS.

I will give you some heads up, the scuttle around the health department is that if there are cases confirmed in a school, that school will most likely be closed. For those of us who work, it's important that we have a childcare back up plan. The Tulsa Health department has an intensive pandemic flu plans as well as checklists for families, employers, and schools.

Now remember, Panic and Preparation are two totally different things. Preparation means making plans for a major interruption in your daily routines. Appropriate plans include keeping 4-6 weeks of water and non perishables in your pantry, making appropriate plans for child care, have 4-6 weeks of infant formula or medications that you require daily. As you go through your day, make a mental note of your activities and how that would be altered and how you could best prepare for that activity.

As you go out in the public, utilize the same infection control procedures you would during a typical flu season. Wash your hands often. Keep antibacterial wipes in your purse to wipe down grocery cart handles, public handrails, and shared exercise equipment. Remember flu is transmitted by respiratory droplets, for example a cough or a sneeze.

If there are a large number of confirmed Tulsa cases, you want to avoid being in crowded public places especially for the older persons (65 yrs & older) , very young (under 5 years) and those with chronic health problems.

Questions about Swine Flu or Preparedness, feel free to comment.